Wildcats set to rock the 02 in showcase performance

Wildcats Academy, based in Castle House, St Peters Hill, Stamford are preparing for one of the biggest shows since they opened back in September 2008.

The West End Wildcats, a registered charity based at the Academy are performing at the Indig02 on Sunday 24th February. The venue, which is part of the 02 in London has hosted many famous faces and the Wildcats are incredibly excited to be performing there themselves. Over the past two months members of the West End Wildcats and Wildcats Post 16 Academy troupe have been rehearsing each week preparing for the big day. They will be performing medleys from hit musicals including Chicago, We Will Rock You, Cats and The Addams Family. The troupe is made up of over 50 children aged 5-16 years, and also the Post 16 Academy - 16 students who are undertaking full time professional training with Wildcats in Musical Theatre.

Niall Dignall, age 17 from Spalding said ‘To be performing in the O2 is just phenomenal it's unbelievable how much I've progressed since September 2012 being a member of Wildcats Academy! I have lived every minute of rehearsing for this performance and to just be doing it is just amazing!’

Sofia Burrows, age 6 from Carlby said ‘I feel very lucky to be a 6 year old little girl and performing in London again on a big stage. Its so exiting to think I am performing where so many famous people have been’

Kay Musgrove, from Collyweston is looking forward to watching her daughter Katie (aged 12) ‘To see your child perform with her friends at the O2 which is one of the best arenas in Europe is very overwhelming. Creating these experiences for your children are truly priceless.’

Kirstie Handley, age 18 from Bourne is an Academy student. ‘We are incredibly lucky people! Not everyone gets to say they're actually going to perform at the 02! It doesn't actually feel real right now, but i know that when we get on that stage and do what we love doing, every single one of us will not be able to stop smiling!’

Kieran Gabbitus, age 20 from Bourne is an Academy student. ‘Not many people can say they were doing what they were born to be doing at such a young age. The opportunities made available to us by the academy are Incredible and I'm sincerely grateful to the people behind it. We belong on a stage, and for our next one to be the indigo2 is quite unbelievable. And I know we'll be back there and other great venues because of experiences and opportunities like this.’

Matthew Nunn, age 16 from Wisbech has always wanted to be a performer. ‘Most people get choose what paths they take in life!. For us, that was not the case, we did not choose our lives, our lives chose us. Performing is not just something we want to do, but something that we have to do! It is in our hearts, the love, connection and pure hunger for performing. The Indigo2 is a place of dreams, that not many people can say they have had their own dreams become reality on. For us to perform at such a prestigious venue, not only gives us an opportunity to for our dreams to come true, but gives us the chance to fulfil our meaning. Our meaning will be one step closer to completion, due to the motivation, preparation and determination, built by the tremendous staff and faculty of Wildcats Theatre Academy! To perform is to live, and this is our life.... so let us perform!’

Nikki Prime is parent of Maddie Sanders from South Witham. Maddie has been a member of West End Wildcats for a year now and has loved every minute of her time with the troupe. Her mum told us ‘Word cannot describe when you told that your child is going to perform at the O2. From day one when they are told what they are performing you can see the the whole thing start to evolve. The hours of practice the children put in and the sheer of determination on there faces is priceless not just from the kids but also the teachers. I'm so proud that my child has the opportunity to take part in a fantastic show.’

Jasmine Pears, age 10 from Stamford said ‘it's amazing I'll be performing in the same place on the same night as One Direction!! I can't wait to be a gaga girl!’

Caz Dolby, Creative Director of Wildcats said 'It is exciting to be part of such an amazing performance. The children and young people involved have worked incredibly hard and we cannot wait to see the finished performance on the 24th February. I would like to take this opportunity thank everyone who has supported us either financially or otherwise in helping the group get to such as prestigious venue.'

Fore more information about Wildcats Theatre School or the full time Post 16 Academy please go to www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk or email admin@wildcats-uk.co.uk